The FinePix Z1 is very trim, measuring a mere 18.6 millimeters thick, thanks to a non- extending, refractive Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens. This all-glass lens is constructed of 10 elements, 2 aspherical, in 8 groups and provides for an equivalent focal range of 36 to 108mm. The maximum aperture is F3.5 to F4.2. The lens is covered by a sliding protective front that also serves as the main power switch.

The auto focus system is a contrast type with a Normal range of approx. 60 cm / 2.0 ft. to infinity. The Macro closeup range is from 8 cm / 3.1 in. (W) / 45 cm / 1.5 ft. (T) - 80 cm / 2.6ft.

The built-in flash has modes for: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro, Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro. The flash effective range is from 0.3 - 3.0m / 1.0ft - 9.8ft (W), 0.6 - 2.3m / 2.0ft - 7.5ft (T).

The Z1 lacks an optical viewfinder, the large 2.5-inch color TFT LCD monitor is used as the live viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. The surface of this LCD is covered with reinforced glass to provide extra scratch resistance. The LCD features an Auto Gain-Up mode for low-light use and the user can also press the 4-way selector "up" to manually activate this feature when needed.

Controls on the back: Upper right are the zoom lens controls. The "green arrow" button puts the camera in review mode. The blue "F" button enables the Photo Mode menu to change image size/quality, ISO sensitivity and Color mode. The 4-way selector is used for selecting images in review mode and accessing the menu system. The MENU/OK button calls up and dismisses the menu screens and accepts selections. In record mode you press "Up" to enable the LCD gain-up mode, "Down" to enable the self-timer, the "Left" button toggles the Macro focus on and off and the Flash modes are controlled with the "Right" button. The DISP/BACK button controls the amount of data on the LCD and lets you "back" out of menu screens.

Controls on top: The shutter release and the mode selector switch for record mode; still or movie.

The Z1 is equipped with a xD-Picture Card slot and is supplied with a 16MB xD card. It's compatible with any xD card from 16MB to 1GB. The battery is also located in this compartment.

Approximate Storage Capacities

Power is supplied by a proprietary NP-40 Li-ion 3.6v 750mAh rechargeable battery. It will provide enough power to capture up to 200 shots per charge and is recharged whenever the camera is placed in the included Picture Cradle.

The included Picture Cradle provides a "home" for your Z1 camera. The battery is automatically charged whenever the camera is in the cradle. Pressing the button begins an automatic slideshow playback on the LCD or a TV if connected with the A/V cable.

On the back of the Picture Cradle is the 5v DC INput jack is for the AC power adapter. The Audio-Video Out port allows connection to a TV for playback, the format is selectable for NTSC or PAL standard. The USB 2.0 hi-speed port is for data I/O - a PictBridge compatible printer can also be connected to the USB port for direct-printing.